The sun sets over the Clay County Agricultural Fair. | Clay County Agricultural Fair
Published on April 4, 2024 at 11:42 am
Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy will be at the Clay County Agricultural Fair.
So will Rosaire’s Royal Pig Racing.
But with a crowd of up to 200,000 people expected from Thursday through April 14, Sheriff Michelle Cook reminds people that everyone will have to funnel down a two-lane road to get to the fairgrounds at 2497 State Road 16 W.
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“We have limited road space in front of the fairgrounds,” Cook said. “I strongly encourage people to leave early if they plan on going to a concert, and understand that during peak hours, traffic will be heavy. We will have extra deputies posted at key intersections to keep the traffic moving.”
The fair’s roots began with the purchase of 28 acres of land in 1972, followed a year later with construction of an arena, concession stand and restrooms. What is now known as the Paul E. Reinhold Fairgrounds held the Cattlemen’s Rodeo and Cracker Days in 1980, with the first fair seven years later.
Now the sprawling event includes the usual assortment of rides, circus acts, livestock shows and a fireworks display at 10 p.m. Friday. There will be live concerts, including Vanilla Ice and Tone Loc at 7 p.m. Thursday, plus Martina McBride at 7 p.m. Sunday and the Oak Ridge Boys at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Tractor pulls are set for 8 p.m. April 13 and 3 p.m. April 14, also in the Cattlemen’s Arena.
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Eleven new kinds of fair food will be for sale, from apple dumplings to bubble waffles and “everything fried and on a stick,” Executive Director Tasha Hyder said at a recent news conference.
The fairgrounds have added more parking and safety lighting, Cook said. But Clay County Fire-Rescue Chief David Kuykendall also warns fairgoers to prepare for the weather.
“With some of the heat emergencies we see out here, please hydrate,” he said. “Hydrate the day before you come out to the fair. Have water. Have Chapstick … sunblock and things like this for your child.”
Anyone who does not need to use State Road 16 between Starke, Green Cove Springs and St. Johns County should use alternate routes, officials said. For traffic, weather and safety alerts, fairgoers should get the SaferWatch App on their phone, as well as a direct line to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
Admission at the gate is $15 for adults, $9 for children and seniors, and free for those under 5.
For the full fair and concert schedule, plus ticket discounts, go to claycountyfair.org.
